Throughout my life, my mother has housed over fifteen people. Different people at the crossroads of their lives and in need of shelter found a resting place in my childhood home.

They still do.

Recently, as an elderly woman, my mother opened up her home once again. Despite her health issues and declining strength as she ages, she wants to extend hospitality to others.

She tells my sister and me that these acts of kindness are her gifts to God and hopefully someday, the kindness she has extended to others will be paid back to her children but if not, God’s goodness throughout her life has been enough. She understands that kind acts can be remembered and passed down.

My mother’s example of kindness reminds me of King David’s kindness to Mephibosheth.

Despite being king, David doesn’t forget that he was once a shepherd boy who was befriended by a prince. David and Jonathan’s friendship and bond were a beautiful display of brotherhood. And now that Jonathan, who was heir to the throne is dead, King David decides to show kindness to his late friend’s son.

Usually, the family members of a previous king are killed so that they won’t become a threat to the current monarch but David ignores custom and chooses kindness instead. Jonathan’s long-ago kindness preserved his family.

Kindness remembered never dies.